Irene of Lecce was an early Christian martyr who lived during the 1st or 2nd century. Known in the Orthodox tradition as Irene of Macedonia, her historical details are obscured by legends and confusion with other saints of the same name. According to tradition, she was born Penelope to a ruler named Licinius, who imprisoned her in a tower due to her beauty. During her confinement, she embraced Christianity, changed her name to Irene, and subsequently faced persecution for her faith.